It’s more than just alliteration;it’s a statement, a proclamation that Thursdays are when the weekend should really start. Kicking it off right is the key, and what better way than with a cocktail that not only takes the edge off, but tastes good too. A hard thing to disagree with, we know. Drink up, get down and go to sleep happy.

Sometimes an ocean getaway is out of reach on a smoldering summer day. If you’re craving beach time, sand beneath your feet and a splash in salty water, the next best thing is Sex on the Beach. The iconically named cocktail, that is.

We’re in for a long, hot summer. So to stave off heat stroke, we’re bringing you our favorite summer treats each week as part of Frozen Friday, giving you the scoop on our favorite ice-cold recipes and party ideas to help you stay cool all summer long.

Wine may not be the first thing that leaps to mind as an icy summer refresher. But we’ve spotted an enticing new trend: wine slushies. These not-so-innocent takes on the childhood staple combine fruit, chilled wines (or sake) and a lot of ice. Here are six summery reasons to dip into the wine cellar.

As the Olympics draw to a close and we honor our nation’s athletes, let’s not forget to celebrate another important national event; that is, National Margarita Day. Pull out the tequila and get mixing, because February 22 marks a national holiday that pays tribute to our favorite frosty cocktail.

Celebrate the coveted mixture of tequila and triple sec by whipping up this seasonal and spicy Chipotle Grapefruit Margarita. Since citrus is in season, ruby red grapefruit makes a wonderful partner with smoky chipotle powder. In a cocktail shaker, mix grapefruit juice, tequila, orange liqueur and a pinch of chipotle powder for a stunning orange hue. Shake with ice, and pour into a cocktail glass rimmed with chipotle salt and a grapefruit garnish. This cocktail is sure to get your margarita celebrations off to a good start!

It’s more than just alliteration;it’s a statement, a proclamation that Thursdays are when the weekend should really start. Kicking it off right is the key, and what better way than with a cocktail that not only takes the edge off, but tastes good too. A hard thing to disagree with, we know. Drink up, get down and go to sleep happy.

This Thursday we are throwing back (#tbt) to a classic cocktail, the Old Fashioned, a perennial classic dating back to the 1880s. And it’s no wonder this recipe has stood the test of time ,with it’s ideal blend of sweet, aromatic and smoky flavors coming together in one smooth sip.

Start by muddling an orange slice with a maraschino cherry, a dash of Angostura bitters and a sprinkle of sugar in a glass to break up the cherry and fully release the oils in the orange slice. Add bourbon, and then finish with a splash of soda water to mellow the bite of the bourbon. Serve this ever-classy cocktail on the rocks for a chilled beverage that will elevate any evening.

It’s more than just alliteration;it’s a statement, a proclamation that Thursdays are when the weekend should really start. Kicking it off right is the key, and what better way than with a cocktail that not only takes the edge off, but tastes good too. A hard thing to disagree with, we know. Drink up, get down and go to sleep happy.

We might need to detox from all the rich holiday food, but who says we can’t stick to our New Year’s resolutions and also enjoy a cocktail with a weekend winter brunch? After all, winter is full of seasonal fruits, so it’s time to start using fresh juices to brighten things up and give us a break from heavy winter meals.

These Wine Fruit Spritzers will give you a chance to mix and match wine with fruit juices and tasty, seasonal garnishes. Start with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc and pair with your juice of choice, such as pink grapefruit, blood orange or pomegranate. Top this tipple with club soda to soften the sweetness, and garnish with fresh fruit. It’s an entirely refreshing brunch beverage that won’t leave you feeling guilty.

It’s more than just alliteration;it’s a statement, a proclamation that Thursdays are when the weekend should really start. Kicking it off right is the key, and what better way than with a cocktail that not only takes the edge off, but tastes good too. A hard thing to disagree with, we know. Drink up, get down and go to sleep happy.

Weekends are important, especially the sun-dappled, backyard barbecue kinds of weekends that characterize summer. While Labor Day is the symbolic end of summer, (after this, school starts, the weather cools down and berry picking gives way to apple picking) take this extra-long weekend to relax in the warm weather with rum-filled, late-summer sippers.

We’re thinking of rum-y cocktails that pair well with sweet and sticky ribs, kabobs, grilled burgers and seasonal produce. From minty mojitos to dynamic daiquiris, rum is our spirit of choice when it comes to showcasing some refreshing flavors.

I don’t know about you, but I start planning my Thanksgiving spread on November 1st. Start the holiday season off right with this cocktail capturing the flavors of the traditional Sweet Potato Casserole. The only time-consuming part about this cocktail is roasting the sweet potato to make the lightly spiced sweet potato syrup. But it’s definitely worth the extra step when you experience the flavors of roasted sweet potato with smoky bourbon and orange curacao.

Though not a classic prep, we love Food2's killer Frozen Mint Julep Recipe

Don’t put away your big hats just yet — The Kentucky Derby takes place this weekend and is sure to draw out plenty unique toppers. In honor of the race, we’re serving up our best mint julep recipes. Don’t worry, there’s still plenty of time to do a taste test and find your favorite.

The Food Network’s Kitchens offer for your perusal eleven trends that will define the coming year in food. Check out five of the trends here, then visit Food Network’s Dish for the rest of the list.

And if reading about these trends makes you hungry, you’re in luck. This year they’ve distilled (or rather mashed up) the predictions into two emblematic recipes, thus giving you an opportunity unique among year-end forecasts: the chance to eat the predictions! Check back tomorrow for the recipes. If they’re any indication, the year 2011 is going to be a delicious one. Bon appétit!